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Updated: Dec 24, 2025

A Comparative Approach to Characterize the Landscape of Host-Pathogen Protein-Protein Interactions
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A Comparative Approach to Characterize the Landscape of Host-Pathogen Protein-Protein Interactions

Published on: July 18, 2013

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Human PCNA Structure, Function and Interactions

Amaia González-Magaña1, Francisco J Blanco1,2

  • 1CIC bioGUNE, Bizkaia Science and Technology Park, bld 800, 48160 Derio, Bizkaia, Spain.

Biomolecules
|April 12, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is crucial for DNA replication and repair, forming a ring that slides along DNA. Understanding its structure and interactions offers potential cancer therapeutic opportunities.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Structural Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a key protein in DNA replication and repair.
  • PCNA forms a homotrimeric ring structure that encircles DNA, facilitating the action of DNA polymerases and repair enzymes.
  • PCNA interacts with regulatory proteins via the PCNA Interacting Protein box (PIP-box) motif.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in understanding the structure-function relationships of human PCNA.
  • To elucidate the mechanisms of PCNA sliding and the molecular recognition of PIP motifs.
  • To discuss the implications of PCNA's interactions and post-translational modifications for cancer therapeutics.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on human PCNA.
  • Analysis of structural data concerning PCNA-protein interactions.
  • Discussion of biochemical and biophysical studies on PCNA function.

Main Results:

  • Detailed description of PCNA's sliding mechanism along DNA.
  • Elucidation of molecular recognition principles for canonical and non-canonical PIP motifs.
  • In-depth analysis of the unique binding mode of the oncogene p15 and PCNA-polymerase δ interactions.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding PCNA structure-function relationships, including its interactions and post-translational modifications, is vital for DNA replication and repair.
  • These insights may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment.
  • PCNA's role in coordinating partner exchange highlights its central importance in cellular processes.

Keywords:
DNA repairDNA replicationDNA slidingPCNAmolecular recognitionprotein interactionsstructure

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